The ancient red sandstone Nungate Bridge is Haddington’s hidden gem spanning the River Tyne, a fascinating subject to photograph and an old veteran. Often visitors to Haddington miss out on the Nungate Bridge but visitors that do stumble across it and leave reviews suggest that this is one of Haddington's most beautiful hidden gems! We think the history of the bridge makes it even more interesting to visit so here we bring you a brief history to muse over on your next visit to the Nungate Bridge.
The Nungate Bridge is one of Scotland’s oldest bridges dating from the 16th century. A bridge is thought to have been at the site since at least 1282 linking the east side of Haddington to the once separate barony Nungate and Giffordgate. The bridge has been altered and repaired over the years and if you look closely you can see different colours of stonework. The bridge was damaged during the Siege of Haddington in 1548 and it is likely that the current bridge was constructed then. Stones from St Mary’s Parish Church were used to repair the bridge in 1659 and the gradient on the east side was lowered in the eighteenth century. The bridge was a significant transport route being one of the only routes across the Tyne travelling to and from Edinburgh. The bridge has withstood a number of floods over the years but its survival showcases the excellent workmanship and materials of the bridge.
The bridge has a rather gruesome past as criminals were hung under it. The ‘joug’s’ used to restrain criminals were removed in 1678 but criminals were still hanged from the iron hook which can be seen in the westernmost arch. The last time the hook was used was in 1745 when the hand of one of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s supporters was hung there.
The Nungate Bridge was also the scene of much rivalry between the Haddington and Nungate boys! The old chants from the Haddington boys was “Ye Nungate cuds, cock up yer fuds, An’ let the Haddington’s bye; we’ll drive ye east wi’bickering thuds, Until yer’re tired and dune glad lye’. We wonder what the Nungate boys replied!
Today, we sit on the picnic benches by the bridge and the words peaceful, serene and tranquil spring to mind. You ponder the timeless quality of the Nungate Bridge. You wonder about the history and about the Scottish and English armies that marched over. You can almost hear their chants and their pattering feet. You wonder about the criminals and witches hung from the hook as the crowd watched on. Would their blood have soaked those stones? If you listen carefully, can you still hear their screams? Perhaps an artist has sat painting the picturesque bridge or the grand view of St Mary’s parish church and the River Tyne.
Today, on the banks of the River Tyne, if you listen carefully you’ll hear the ducks, goosanders, swans, and herons and be immersed in nature’s soundscape. You’ll observe beautiful river reflections of the bridge arches perfect for photographs. When sitting at tables outside the Waterside Bistro having a delicious lunch you’ll quietly take in the idyllic scene of the bridge. At sunset you’ll see the Nungate Bridge and River Tyne shimmering gloriously with golden light as the swans glide on.
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